Explore the world at screenings of nine remarkable films from and about Latin America at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s 12th Annual Latin Wave film festival, happening from Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30, 2017.
MFAH’s Latin Wave 2017 premieres modern films that reflect the vibrant and innovative cinema scene thriving throughout Latin America.
At select screenings, audiences will hear from the internationally acclaimed filmmakers who will introduce, present, and discuss their films.
Diana Sanchez, an internationally respected Latin American film specialist, curated the film festival and will be on hand for most screenings.
Houstonians are also invited to a “Meet the Filmmakers” Brunch at Mongoose vs. Cobra on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Films Showcased in Latin Wave 2017
- Jeffrey (2016), presented by director Yanillys Pérez – Presented in Spanish with English subtitles, this film from the Dominican Republic straddles documentary and fiction. It offers an intimate portrayal of a young boy and the adult challenges he faces. Twelve-year-old Jeffrey works as a windshield washer in Santo Domingo to help support his family, but dreams of becoming a professional singer. With the help of his older brother, he composes and records songs about his life and aspirations. Set in the busy streets of the Dominican Republic’s capital city, Jeffrey is a poignant reminder that all of us, no matter how limited our means, dream of something more.
- The Rolling Stones Olé, Olé, Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America (2016) –Presented in Spanish and Portugese with English subtitles, the documentary chronicles the legendary band’s tour of ten Latin American cities. Director Paul Dugdale offers an enticing combination of backstage antics, exhilarating concerts, and historical context. During a time when rock ‘n roll was banned, listening to The Rolling Stones was a form of freedom of expression. Culminating in their historical free concert in Havana, Cuba, this film demonstrates the Rolling Stones’ powerful connection to its fans.
- The Grown-Ups (Los niños) (2016) – Directed by Chilean director Maite Alberdi, this documentary is about a group of adults with Down Syndrome who have attended the same pastry-making school for over 40 years. The Grown-Ups follows the students as they are confronted with the reality that the independent lives they had envisioned for themselves may be hard to attain. This film offers an intimate portrayal of close friends told with humor, sensitivity, and compassion. Spanish with English subtitles.
- Guilty Men (Pariente), presented by Writer and Director Iván Gaona (2016) – Columbian Director Gaona’s suspenseful feature debut unfolds in his hometown of Güespa, nestled in Colombia’s oil-rich region especially vulnerable to right-wing paramilitaries. Set in 2005, Guilty Men tells a gripping crime story about ordinary men caught in a situation that rapidly slips out of their control. Spanish with English subtitles.
- Santa & Andrés, presented by Writer and Director Carlos Lechuga (2016) –Set in eastern Cuba in 1983, Santa & Andrés tells the story of the unlikely friendship between a dissident gay novelist and a young woman dedicated to the Cuban revolutionary government’s political beliefs. Santa travels to the writer’s isolated cabin to watch over him during a political event, convinced that he is burdened with “ideological problems.” But, after a few days of living in close proximity, the absurdity of the situation begins to sink in and a bond develops that neither expected. Spanish with English subtitles.
- Treasures (Tesoros) (2017) – Mexican Director María Novaro presents the story of twelve-year-old Andrea, six-year-old Dylan, and toddler Lucas. The three arrive with their family to Barra de Potosi, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. They quickly make friends with the local children, who enjoy the company of the newcomers from the city. When one child is convinced that he has seen the ghost of explorer Sir Francis Drake, the whole group sets out on an adventure, searching for a long-lost treasure from the 16th century. This delicate tale depicts the magic and wonder of childhood and the empowerment young people experience when they are given autonomy. Spanish with English subtitles.
- Tea Time (La once) (2014) – Filmed over a period of five years, Chilean Director Maite Alberdi’s engaging documentary portrays a group of now elderly women friends who have been meeting for tea over many decades, a ritual the seniors have sustained throughout Chile’s historical changes. This film invites audiences to share intimate afternoons with the ladies, following the elaborate preparations for their tea parties. They gossip and discuss everything from matrimony to politics to mortality. This charming film provides a window into the women’s lives, past and present. Spanish with English subtitles.
- El Amparo (2016) – Set in the late 1980s near the Colombian-Venezuelan border, Director Rober Calzadilla’s suspenseful first feature reveals the harrowing true story of the Amparo Massacre. A group of 14 men set out on a fishing trip on along the Arauco River when they are suddenly gunned down. The only two survivors make it back to their village and discover that the Venezuelan government is accusing them of being guerillas. The villagers of Amparo rally around the men, defending them from the allegations, but the men and their neighbors find that trying to fight the intimidation tactics of the officials is an uphill battle that the government plans to win. Spanish with English subtitles.
- The Tenth Man (El rey del Once) (2016) – Ariel, a successful economist in New York City, believes that he’s gotten over his childhood frustrations with his distant father. Dad was often called away from home to make a quorum as the tenth man at Jewish funerals. When his father, Usher, summons him home to Buenos Aires for the Jewish holiday of Purim, Ariel hopes they’ll have a chance to reconnect. Crafting a hilarious comedy of errors, prolific Argentine filmmaker Daniel Burman’s 11th feature film playfully considers family ties and the impossibility of escaping them. Spanish, Hebrew, and Yiddish with English subtitles.
- Aquarius (2016) – In Brazilian Director Keleber Mondonça Filho’s film, Clara is a retired music critic, determined to continue in her home in Recife, despite the intimidating tactics of a ruthless real estate developer. The last resident in the building as the other neighbors have been convinced to sell, she stands strong against the construction firm’s harassment. Suspenseful and dramatic, Aquarius showcases lead actress Sofia Braga’s tour-de-force performance in a captivating portrayal of personal determination. Portuguese with English subtitles.
Latin Wave 2017 Screening Schedule
Thursday, April 27, 2017
- Jeffrey, with introduction by filmmaker Yanillys Pérez | 7:30pm
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The Rolling Stones Olé, Olé, Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America | 9pm
Friday, April 28, 2017
- The Grown-Ups (Los niños) | 5pm
- Guilty Men (Pariente), with introduction by filmmaker Iván Gaona | 7pm
- Santa & Andrés, with introduction by filmmaker Carlos Lechuga | 9:30pm
Saturday, April 29, 2017
- Treasures (Tesoros) | 1pm
- Tea Time (La once) | 3pm
- Jeffrey, with introduction by filmmaker Yanillys Pérez | 5pm
- Santa & Andrés, with introduction by filmmaker Carlos Lechuga | 7pm
- The Rolling Stones Olé, Olé, Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America | 9pm
Sunday, April 30, 2017
- Guilty Men (Pariente), with introduction by filmmaker Iván Gaona | 1pm
- El Amparo | 3:15pm
- The Tenth Man (El rey del Once) | 5pm
- Aquarius | 7pm
Latin Wave 2017 at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Dates: Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30, 2017
- Times: Showtimes vary. Scroll up or click here for a detailed schedule of film screenings.
- Location: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
- Parking: Free lot parking is available at the church adjacent to MFAH.
- Admission: General admission is $10. MFAH Members, students with ID, and ages 65 and up receive a $2 discount. Students with ID receive complimentary admission to films screening on Sunday, April 30, 2017. Click here to order tickets or for more information.
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